There is a preconceived belief that Indian food is fattening and high on calories. That is the reason why almost all health-conscious individuals are moving to salads and other cuisines these days. However, there are numerous ingredients used in Indian cooking that have great nutritional value and help in burning extra calories. It is wiser to incorporate these ingredients in your daily diet rather than moving to low-fat continental diets.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the basic ingredients used in almost all Indian dishes. It is known to have cancer curbing, antiseptic and healthy weight loss properties. A compound called curcumin present in turmeric helps reduce insulin and leptin resistance levels, both of which are responsible for fat deposits. Turmeric also helps in maintaining blood pressure and in eliminating bad cholesterol from the body.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its medicinal properties. Allicin, a sulphur compound present in garlic has anti-bacterial properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that also help in burning fat deposits.
Cardamom
Another Indian spice that not only adds flavour but also helps in burning calories is cardamom. This spice is full of digestive properties and helps in enhancing metabolic activity and hence aids weight loss.
Mustard oil
When compared to other cooking oils, mustard oil has very low quantity of saturated fat. It also has a host of other beneficial elements like fatty acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, essential vitamins and antioxidants which help in reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining an optimum body weight.
Honey
Most of us are aware of honey’s power in reducing calories. Honey dissolved in warm water consumed in the morning helps in cutting down fat within the body.
Curry leaves
Curry leaves not only provide flavour to our food, but they also help in removing harmful toxins and unwanted fat deposits from the body.
Chillies
Chillies are a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. Powered with a key element called capsaicin, chillies help in increasing the metabolic activity and the heat generating property of capsaicin helps in burning additional fat within the body.
Bean sprouts
Bean sprouts are quite beneficial because they have loads of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. They reduce hunger pangs and aid in weight reduction.
Cabbage
Cabbage is grown locally in almost all parts of India. It slows the process of transformation of carbohydrate and sugar contents into fat, which in turn helps in maintaining the fat content.
Millets
Millets such as ragi, jowar and bajra are rich in dietary fibre and help in maintaining a good cholesterol level. Millets also enhance bile secretion which burns down the extra calories.
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